Rams, Chargers Stadium Delayed until 2020

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers new stadium is pushed back until 2020, according to multiple reports. While the project seems far away, it was initially projected to open in 2019. One year longer, but the wait will be worth it for southern California.

The joint-resident stadium in Inglewood will cost approximately $2.6 billion dollars to build.

According to the Associated Press, the delay could cost the Rams millions of dollars, and affects the NFL’s plan to use the stadium for the 2021 Super Bowl.

“Economics were not a factor in this decision whatsoever,” said Kevin Demoff, the Rams’ chief operating officer. “Stan’s decision on this was based on delivering a world-class stadium at the highest quality possible, and that was the only basis for this decision. If it incurred extra costs by delaying, that was fine as long as we delivered the stadium that met his vision and what this project needs to be.”

“If getting it right means pushing back the completion date, then I think the extra year is well worth it,” said A.G. Spanos, the Chargers’ president of business operations. “Construction is our family business, so we understand the challenges that come with a project of this magnitude,” via the AP

One thing is certain, the NFL could potentially lose several million dollars with the Los Angeles delay. And, to top it all off, the Raiders move to Las Vegas will take place the same year.

But, the potential of expanding fan bases will also increase, as the Raiders likely will not be in Oakland for much longer.

The weather in Los Angeles has not helped the Chargers and Rams at all, either. Rain has soaked California this winter, and construction is affected by the weather.

The year 2020 cannot arrive soon enough, but in a little over three years the NFL will debut three teams in new homes. In the meantime, Philip Rivers, Melvin Gordon, Jared Goff, Tavon Austin and the rest of the Chargers and Rams will build their Los Angeles empire.